While the return of the wolf to the northern Rockies and beyond is one of the greatest conservation success stories of our time, the biological success of the wolf has not been easy for those whose livelihoods depend upon shared habitat. As wolves expand beyond protected areas, ranchers and outfitters have faced income losses and a steep learning curve for dealing with new and difficult neighbors.
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As societies coexisting with wildlife around the world make evident, the cowboys of yore have an integral role to play in minimizing conflict where carnivores roam. Yet, because of the slim profit margins in ranching, the mom and pop operations of today can rarely support dedicated riders.
For past five years, Keystone Conservation has ensured that Range Riders patrol Montana’s open range on horseback to deter conflicts with wildlife before they arise. Range Riders keep wolves and livestock safe through use of telemetry, herding, keen observation and non-lethal hazing techniques. Few conflicts have occurred in the presence of the riders, despite growing wolf numbers. The Madison Valley Ranchlands Group, Boulder Watershed Association, and state and federal officials are key partners in Range Riders success.
While animosity has been a hallmark of wolf expansion, the Range Riders have pioneered a path for cooperation between long-time ranching families and wolf conservationists. As rancher Bill Brownlee of the Boulder Watershed Association puts it: “We realize the wolves are here to stay and we’ve got to find a way to operate under these conditions.” By supporting new rider efforts through active mentoring and helping transfer experience from its field sites, Keystone Conservation is changing understanding of livestock husbandry where wolves roam.
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